TAMPA, Fla. — The loved ones of 7-year-old Yitizan Torres gathered at the Courtney Campbell Causeway on Thursday evening to hold a vigil in his honor.
During the ceremony, his family members released balloons and offered prayers at the location where he tragically lost his life in a shooting.
Yitizan Ayala, the child’s father, expressed the indescribable pain they are currently experiencing. Yitizan, who shared his father’s name, was of Puerto Rican descent and sadly passed away exactly one month before his eighth birthday.
Coping with the tragedy has been exceptionally challenging for his father, as Yitizan was his only child.
Describing the young boy’s interests, Yitizan Ayala mentioned that Yitizan had aspirations of becoming a professional soccer player and had a deep love for Spiderman and monster trucks. Above all, he cherished his family.
Despite the immense grief, Yitizan’s father has managed to find forgiveness in his heart for the person responsible for his son’s death.
He conveyed his forgiveness, acknowledging the pain that comes with accepting such a heartbreaking reality.
The Tampa Police Department is currently conducting an investigation into the shooting and urges anyone with information that may lead to an arrest to come forward.
Additionally, CrimeStoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for any valuable information provided.
The family intends to lay 7-year-old Yitizan to rest in Puerto Rico. They have started a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for his funeral expenses.
